The first General Membership Meeting (GMM) of the year took place on September 24, 2024, at The Racquet Club of Philadelphia. Members gathered for a cocktail hour to mingle before the official start of the evening’s events. The Annual Fund, Sponsorship, and Leadership Committees hosted tables to engage directly with attendees, discussing the opportunities each committee provides. Members were also encouraged to sign a poster reflecting their reasons for joining and continuing with the League.
September GMM 2024. Photo credit: BeauMonde Originals
At 7 p.m., the GMM officially kicked with an introductory speech by our President, Kate Hall. The past year’s achievements were highlighted, notably the Thrift Shop’s exceptional performance in its 20th year. The Shop has already raised over $300,000 this year, thanks to the generous donations and active participation of our members. The V.P. of Marketing & Communications also discussed recent changes to Junior League branding, including new colors and logos that better reflect the diversity, energy, and mission of our organization. To commemorate this update, the Branding & Marketing Committee provided custom League baseball caps to each member.
September GMM. Photo credit: BeauMonde Originals
Following the initial presentations, life coach Joanna Platt from The Joy of Enough delivered an inspiring program centered on belonging. She began by challenging traditional perceptions of successful business professionals, noting that while children often draw leaders as men, the qualities of effective leaders—such as empathy, creativity, and resilience—transcend gender. She encouraged members to reflect on their own sense of belonging within the League, asking, “At what point did you know you belonged here?” This engaging session inspired members to consider how to foster an inclusive environment and ensure every member feels welcome within the League.
This GMM not only celebrated our accomplishments but also encouraged each of all attendees to strengthen their connections within the League and reinforce their commitment to making a difference in the community.